While in Italy we drove the refreshed 2019 Jeep Compass and let me tell you something; this car just made a good friend. To be completely honest with you, my expectations weren't high but after driving it for quite a long time and especially off road, she got into my soul.
The tested version was the Trailhawk version which basically means it’s capable enough to do almost everything you imagine off road. This car won't let you down in difficult terrains either, if it is sand, mud, rocks or water. At least it did not let me down and put a nice smile on my face while driving it on the off-road track. With this new 2019 Compass, you will feel confident enough to take family or friends off the road while you will also enjoy comfort and quality on the road.
Being a Jeep there is no chance you can miss the Jeep signature design with the seven-slot grille and the trapezoidal wheel arch. With some other design elements here and there, the Compass has the right muscular balance which adds a bit more of excitement than its competition.
Under the hood, you will find a 2.4-liter petrol engine that delivers 180 HP connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. If it is your first time driving a car with a 9-speed transmission, you might need some time to find your way around. While driving it in ‘Low’ is where it surprised me, it felt like it was getting all the necessary power with room for speed.
For that off-road look, the Compass Trailhawk features 17-inch off-road wheels, red rear tow hook, unique front and rear that deliver 30-degree approach, 24.4-degree breakover and 33.6-degree departure angles. In addition, it comes equipped with Trailhawk’s Selec-Terrain that includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-descent Control.
If you are one of those who can't drive without connecting your phone, the Compass comes with the latest generation of Uconnect (what FCA calls their infotainment system) compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. All this will allow you hand free phone, navigation and voice texting among other features you will be keen to show your friends.
Safety wise, the Compass is also a good option. The most notable are: Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path detection, Parkview rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Automated Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six standard airbags.
